The Middle East has long been a chessboard for global powers, where ideologies, religions, and geopolitics are locked in a strategic battle of wits and will. 

But beneath the surface of sectarian strife and regional conflicts lies a startling narrative: the instrumentalization of Salafism, a puritanical strain of Sunni Islam, as a tool for advancing the strategic interests of NATO and Israel’s so-called “Greater Israel” plan. 

This is not a conspiracy theory; it is a story of calculated alliances, covert operations, and the reshaping of an entire region to serve the ambitions of a few.  

To understand how Salafism fits into this puzzle, we must first confront the uncomfortable truth: extremist ideologies are not always born in a vacuum. They are often nurtured, funded, and weaponized by those who stand to gain from the chaos they create. 

From the Afghan mujahideen of the 1980s to the rise of ISIS in the 2010s, the West has a long history of leveraging radical Islamist groups to destabilize adversaries. Today, Salafism—with its rigid worldview and rejection of modernity—has become a key instrument in this strategy, particularly in the context of NATO’s objectives and Israel’s expansionist ambitions.  

The Salafist-NATO Nexus: A Marriage of Convenience

The relationship between Salafism and Western powers is not new. During the Cold War, the United States and its allies funneled billions of dollars to Islamist militants in Afghanistan to counter Soviet influence. This strategy, immortalized by the phrase “blowback,” laid the groundwork for the rise of groups like al-Qaeda [1]. Decades later, a similar playbook was used in Libya and Syria, where Salafist militias were armed and funded to topple regimes deemed hostile to Western interests [2].  

In Libya, NATO’s intervention in 2011 was justified under the banner of “protecting civilians,” but the aftermath revealed a darker reality. Salafist groups, including those linked to al-Qaeda, were among the most effective ground forces in overthrowing Muammar Gaddafi. These groups were not only tolerated by NATO but actively supported, as they served the immediate goal of regime change. The long-term consequences—a fractured state, rampant extremism, and a humanitarian crisis—were seemingly of little concern [3].  

Syria offers an even more glaring example. As the Arab Spring swept across the region, the West and its Gulf allies saw an opportunity to weaken Iran’s influence by targeting its key ally, Bashar al-Assad. Salafist groups, including the notorious al-Nusra Front (al-Qaeda’s Syrian affiliate), became the vanguard of the opposition.

Despite their extremist ideology, these groups received significant funding and arms from Gulf states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, with tacit approval from Western powers [4]. The result was a protracted civil war that devastated Syria and created the conditions for ISIS to flourish [5].  

The Ideological Core of Salafism: A Rigid Vision of Islam

To understand why Salafism has been so easily co-opted, we must examine its underlying principles. Salafism derives its name from the Arabic term ‘salaf’, meaning ‘predecessors’ or ‘ancestors’, referring to the first three generations of Muslims who are believed to have practiced Islam in its purest form. Salafists advocate a return to this idealized version of Islam, rejecting later interpretations and innovations (‘bid’ah’) as corruptions of the faith [6].  

At its core, Salafism emphasizes a literal interpretation of the Quran and Hadith (sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad), coupled with a strict adherence to Islamic law (‘Sharia’). It upholds a monotheistic vision of God (‘tawhid’) that rejects any form of intermediary or compromise, including the veneration of saints or the celebration of cultural traditions. This uncompromising approach often results in the rejection of modernity, secular ideologies, and pluralism, as these are viewed as departures from divine will [7].

One of the most controversial aspects of Salafist theology is its anthropomorphic conception of God. Salafists, particularly those influenced by Wahhabism, believe that God has physical attributes, such as hands, eyes, and a face, as described in the Quran and Hadith. This belief stands in stark contrast to mainstream Islamic theology, which emphasizes God’s transcendence and rejects any literal interpretation of divine attributes. For Salafists, this literalist approach is a cornerstone of their faith, reinforcing their claim to represent “true” Islam [8].  

Salafism’s Opposition to Justice for the Oppressed

Salafism’s rigid ideology extends beyond theology to its political and social doctrines, many of which actively undermine justice for the oppressed. A key tenet of Salafist thought is the prohibition of rebellion or protest against rulers, even in the face of tyranny or injustice. This doctrine is rooted in the belief that challenging authority, no matter how corrupt or oppressive, leads to chaos (‘fitna’) and undermines the stability of the Muslim community [9].  

This principle has been used to justify the suppression of dissent in countries like Saudi Arabia, where Salafist clerics have condemned pro-democracy movements as un-Islamic [10]. Similarly, in Egypt, Salafist groups opposed the 2011 revolution that toppled Hosni Mubarak, arguing that it was forbidden to rise against a legitimate ruler. This stance not only perpetuates authoritarianism but also silences calls for justice, leaving oppressed communities without recourse [11].  

Moreover, Salafism’s emphasis on literal interpretation and rigid adherence to Sharia often leads to the marginalization of minority groups and the denial of their rights. Women, religious minorities, and dissenting voices are frequently targeted under the guise of enforcing Islamic law, further entrenching inequality and injustice [12].  

The Spread of Salafism: A Global Phenomenon  

Salafism’s influence extends far beyond the Middle East, thanks in large part to the financial and ideological support of Gulf states. In North Africa, countries like Egypt and Tunisia have seen the rise of Salafist parties following the Arab Spring. Egypt saw the Salafist Nour Party emerge as a major political force, advocating for the implementation of Sharia law and positioning itself in opposition to the existing state framework [13].

In sub-Saharan Africa, Salafist groups have gained traction in countries like Nigeria, where Boko Haram—a jihadist Salafist organization—has waged a brutal insurgency [14]. Similarly, in South Asia, Salafist ideologies have influenced groups like the Taliban, whose rigid interpretation of Islam has shaped Afghanistan’s political landscape for decades [15].  

Even in the West, Salafist ideologies have found a foothold, particularly among marginalized Muslim communities. Salafist mosques and online platforms promote a narrative of victimhood and resistance, often framing Western societies as inherently hostile to Islam. This narrative not only fuels radicalization but also serves the broader goal of sowing division and undermining social cohesion [16].  

Salafism in Syria: A Catalyst for Sectarian Persecution

The Syrian conflict provides a harrowing case study of how Salafism has been weaponized to achieve geopolitical goals. Since the outbreak of the civil war in 2011, Salafist groups have played a central role in the opposition to Bashar al-Assad’s regime. These groups, many of which are funded and armed by Gulf states and quietly backed by Western powers, have targeted not only the Assad government but also Syria’s religious minorities, including Alawites, Shias, and Christians [17].  

The Alawite community, to which Assad belongs, has been particularly vulnerable. Salafist groups view Alawites as heretics, citing their esoteric beliefs and practices as evidence of apostasy. This has led to widespread persecution, including massacres, forced displacements, and the destruction of Alawite villages [18]. Similarly, Shia Muslims, who are seen as allies of Iran, have been targeted by Salafist militants, further exacerbating sectarian tensions [19].  

Christians, too, have borne the brunt of Salafist violence. In areas controlled by Salafist groups, churches have been destroyed, Christian communities have been forced to pay ‘jizya’ (a tax on non-Muslims), and individuals have been subjected to forced conversions or executions. The rise of ISIS, a Salafist offshoot, brought these atrocities to global attention, but the roots of this persecution lie in the broader Salafist ideology that underpins many opposition groups in Syria [20].  

Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) and the Current Crisis

One of the most prominent Salafist groups in Syria today is Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), led by Abu Mohammad al-Julani. Originally an offshoot of al-Qaeda, HTS has positioned itself as a dominant force in northwestern Syria, controlling large swathes of territory in Idlib province. Despite its claims of moderation, HTS continues to enforce a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, targeting minorities and suppressing dissent [21].  

Under Julani’s leadership, HTS has been implicated in numerous human rights abuses, including the persecution of Alawites, Shias, and Christians. The group has also been accused of using civilians as human shields and carrying out extrajudicial killings. These actions have not only deepened the humanitarian crisis in Syria but also served the broader goal of destabilizing the region, creating a power vacuum that external actors like Israel and NATO can exploit [22].  

Israel’s “Greater Israel” Plan: Salafism as a Strategic Asset

While NATO’s use of Salafism is well-documented, its alignment with Israel’s “Greater Israel” plan is less overt but equally significant. The “Greater Israel” concept, rooted in Zionist ideology, envisions a Jewish state extending from the Mediterranean Sea to the Jordan River, encompassing all of historic Palestine. Achieving this goal requires the fragmentation of Palestinian unity and the weakening of neighboring states that support the Palestinian cause [23].  

Here, Salafism plays a crucial role. By promoting sectarianism and opposing unifying Arab nationalist movements, Salafist groups effectively divert attention from the Israeli-Palestinian issue and foster divisions within Arab societies. For example, in Gaza, the rise of Salafist factions has complicated the political landscape, challenging the authority of Hamas and fostering internal strife. This fragmentation serves Israel’s interests by preventing a unified Palestinian resistance [24].  

Moreover, the persecution of minorities by Salafist groups in Syria has provided Israel with a pretext to position itself as a “savior” of persecuted communities. Israel has repeatedly highlighted the plight of Syrian minorities, particularly Christians and Druze, to garner international sympathy and justify its interventions in the region. This narrative not only bolsters Israel’s image as a protector of human rights but also secures NATO’s backing for its expansionist policies [25].  

By framing itself as a bulwark against Salafist extremism, Israel has been able to advance its territorial ambitions under the guise of humanitarian intervention. This strategy has been particularly effective in the Golan Heights, where Israel has used the threat of Salafist militias to justify its occupation and annexation of Syrian territory. In doing so, Israel has not only expanded its borders but also deepened its alliance with NATO, which views the Jewish state as a key ally in the fight against extremism [26].  

The Gulf Connection: Funding the Fire

No discussion of Salafism’s rise would be complete without acknowledging the role of Gulf monarchies, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These states have reportedly spent trillions of dollars exporting their ultra-conservative interpretation of Islam, frequently with the implicit approval—and at times, the active support—of their Western allies. Saudi Arabia, for instance, has long used its wealth to fund Salafist mosques, schools, and charities worldwide, promoting a version of Islam that aligns with its Wahhabi ideology [27].  

While this export of Salafism is often framed as a religious endeavor, its geopolitical implications are undeniable. By promoting an ideology that prioritizes loyalty to the ummah (global Muslim community) over national identity, Gulf states have stifled calls for democratic reforms—like those seen during Bahrain’s Arab Spring protests—paving the way for extremism to take root. This serves the interests of both NATO and Israel by destabilizing regimes that resist Western influence or support the Palestinian cause [28].  

The Human Cost: A Region in Flames

The consequences of this hidden alliance are devastating. From the ruins of Mosul to the refugee camps of Idlib, the Middle East bears the scars of a strategy that prioritizes geopolitical gains over human lives. Millions have been displaced, countless lives lost, and entire societies torn apart by the very forces that were meant to liberate them [29].  

Yet, the architects of this strategy remain largely unaccountable. NATO continues to frame its interventions as humanitarian efforts, while Israel justifies its policies as necessary for security. Meanwhile, the Gulf states, shielded by their oil wealth and Western alliances, continue to export an ideology that fuels endless conflict [30].  

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

The story of how Salafism serves NATO and Israel’s “Greater Israel” plan is not just a tale of geopolitical maneuvering; it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of short-term thinking and the human cost of realpolitik. As the Middle East grapples with the fallout of these policies, the international community must confront the uncomfortable truths they reveal.  

Transparency and accountability are not just moral obligations—they are the only way to break the cycle of violence and extremism. It is time to confront the uncomfortable truth: external actors have played a deliberate role in fueling sectarianism, destabilizing nations, and perpetuating chaos for their own gain. The Middle East is not a chessboard for global powers to manipulate; it is a region of people who deserve dignity, justice, and the right to determine their own future.

This article is more than an analysis—it is a call to action. We must demand accountability from those who exploit division for political and economic gain. We must reject the narratives that justify intervention under false pretenses. And we must amplify the voices of those working tirelessly for unity, peace, and hope in the face of destruction.

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